Munich

Practical Info about Munich

Getting around the city

Munich's city centre is a pedestrian zone, so many of its attractions can be reached on foot, which is also the most pleasant way to explore certain parts of the city. The city's efficient and integrated public transport system is excellent for getting around beyond the centre; it consists of buses, trams, the U-bahn (subway) and the S-bahn (suburban train) that operate from about 5am to 1am, with hourly buses and trams servicing main routes throughout the night. Tickets must be validated on entering stations or on boarding, and are transferable between all forms of transport, and valid for two hours after being stamped as long as one travels in the same direction. Fares are zone based and the system is well-organised and easy to understand. There are various day passes available as well as the München Welcome Card, which covers all transport within the city and includes discounts to the main attractions. Taxis are safe and convenient, but expensive. You can hire a car easily but it is often better to use public transport in the big European cities to avoid frustration and confusion. You can also hire bicycles at very little cost and this is a lovely way to get around.

Time

GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in April).

Electricity

220 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), divided into 100 cents. ATMs and exchange bureaux are widely available. The major credit cards are accepted in large shops, hotels and restaurants, although Germans themselves prefer to carry cash. The quickest and most convenient way to change money is to obtain cash from one of the ATM machines that are ubiquitous features on all German streets. Banks are closed on weekends, but exchange bureaux at airports and main railway stations are open daily.

Communication

The international access code for Germany is +49. Telephone numbers in Germany can range from four to nine digits. There are surcharges on international calls made from hotels; it is often cheaper to use public telephone boxes in post offices, which use phone cards. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns.

Climate

+

Munich's weather can be unpredictable. In general summers are fairly warm and very wet, characterised by sunny weather interspersed by dramatic thunderstorms, while winters are cold with light snowfalls. The Alps cause two unique aberrations in Munich weather: southwesterly winds crossing the Alps can push up temperatures markedly even in winter; and northwesterly winds blowing from the mountains bring unseasonably low temperatures, rain and even snow on odd days. You can easily end up experiencing quite a variety of weather on a stay in Munich. The most popular time to visit is in September, for Oktoberfest, but summer is the peak tourism season. Munich is really a year-round holiday destination because so many of the city's attractions can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.

Munich International Airport

Getting to the city

Frequent commuter trains run by day and most of the night to various Munich stations, including the main stations for connections to major European cities. Buses are available to many regional destinations and the main train station. It takes about 20 minutes by train and about 45 minutes by road to reach the city centre.

Car rental

Airport taxi's

IsarFunk Taxizentrale operates services form Minuch Airport. The journey time to the city centre is approximately 45 minutes and taxis cost around €35 to €55.

Facilities

The airport has several restaurants and bars, duty-free and other shops, shower facilities and a pharmacy. ATMs and currency exchange desks are available in Arrivals and Departures.

Parking

Parking in lots P5, P7, P8, P26 and P35 is €8 for the first hour and €4 per hour, up to €25 per day for the first seven days (subsequent days are €5 up to a maximum charge of €195). Lots P1-P4 are €30 per day after seven days, and P20 after five days. Long-term parking is cheapest in lots P41, P51 and P81, at €14 per day for the first three days, a flat rate of €50 for up to a week, and €2 per day up to 21 days.